the UDF government. set to privatize major sectors, says Pinarayi

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates a memorial event for Congress leader CK Govindan Nair and former minister AC Shanmughadas on June 28, 2026 in Kozhikode. Photo credit: K. Ragesh

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala was trying to reverse the gains the state had made in the recent past and even the “sea and sky” were “all set for privatisation”.

He was in Kozhikode on Sunday (June 28, 2026) to address the memory of senior Congress leader CK Govindan Nair and former minister AC Shanmughadas.

Mr. Vijayan claimed that Kerala was witnessing the return of certain undesirables that were prevalent in the state a decade ago. “The UDF government came to power because people wanted change. But we should also examine what changes the new government is bringing. Whatever was considered to be our advantage is being reversed,” he said.

Mr. Vijayan alleged that the Union Government and the Sangh Parivar were trying to divide the people by fanning communalism. According to him, the recently submitted Revised Budget did not have a single word about it. The document was also silent on how the Center was strangling Kerala economically.

Mr. Vijayan claimed that the budget document and the White Paper did not contain a single word about extreme poverty. The LIFE Mission, which provided homes for the homeless, was abandoned. It was clear that these projects would not continue.

“Important sectors like education, health and electricity will be privatised. There are clear indications of this…Kerala’s skies and seas are ready for privatisation. Sand mining will be privatised. Alliance with crony capitalism is most important and clear signals are coming,” he said. Mr. Vijayan argued that a Left Democratic Front government could, however, introduce an alternative to neoliberal economic policies. He later presented the Shanmughadas Memorial Award to former minister and socialist leader K. Krishnankutty.

Published – 28 Jun 2026 19:31 IST